Hello Yupette,
On January 26th VDOT presented three major 'preliminary mobility options' for I-66 to to Arlington Transportation Commission. They are:
A. HOV Restrictions
I-66 lanes in both directions are designated Bus/HOV during peak periods. No new lanes added. In the peak direction, all lanes are Bus/HOV3+ only during peak periods (no change from CLRP). In the reverse peak direction, all lanes are Bus/HOV 2+ only during peak periods. In off-peak periods all lanes are open to all traffic.
B. I-66 Bus/HOV/HOT Lane System
Converts I-66 into an electronically tolled Bus/HOV/high occupancy toll (HOT) roadway.
Testing two options: (1) no new lanes (2) one new lane in each direction. Single occupancy vehicle (SOV) and HOV 2 vehicles tolled. Bus/HOV 3+ vehicles - no tolls. Tolls applies to all lanes in both directions, 24/7.
C. I-66 Capacity Enhancement
Two options that add a lane in both directions:
Option 1:
Peak hours, peak direction - New & Existing lanes Bus/HOV 3+
Peak hours, reverse peak direction - New lane Bus/HOV2+; Existing lanes general purpose.
Option 2:
Peak hours, peak direction - New & Existing lanes Bus/HOV 3+
Peak hours, reverse peak direction - New & Existing lanes general purpose
No restrictions in the off-peak period in both options.
[I-66 Arterials]
E. Arterial Capacity Enhancement
Enhance U.S. 50
Apply access management principles
Implement bus-only lane in each direction and improve bus service in the corridor (e.g., Priority Bus with 10-minute headway)
Bus lane may be introduced by utilizing the shoulders on U.S. 50.
Although coded as Priority Bus, this option will also reveal if demand warrants a higher-capacity mode such as light rail.
These are the major options, see VDOT's Web site for the other mobility options.
Thanks for your blog.
2100